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Testing Requirements for Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water customers must assure that reclaimed water plumbing is not accidentally connected to potable water plumbing. They must conduct an initial test of the integrity of both plumbing systems as required by plumbing code prior to receiving reclaimed water service. Annual testing of plumbing system integrity is required and is usually conducted in conjunction with backflow prevention device testing.
All testing is conducted in the same manner by a third party, with results provided to Austin Water Utility's Special Services Division. For testing, potable water plumbing is kept pressurized while the reclaimed water plumbing is depressurized (the transducer pictured on this page measures pressure changes). Then, the reclaimed water plumbing is monitored for an increase in pressure that would indicate a cross connection. The procedure is repeated in reverse with the reclaimed water pressurized and the potable water plumbing depressurized and monitored for an increase in pressure that would indicate a cross connection. Alternatives methods of testing are possible, but must be approved in advance.
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